The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Covington City Council met inside City Hall on June 10, approving several key resolutions and hearing enthusiastic community presentations that highlighted both historical preservation and future development plans. Pastor Pete Moore opened the meeting with a powerful invocation, reading from an Abraham Lincoln proclamation and emphasizing national prayer and civic responsibility.
The meeting quickly transitioned into substantive city business, with council members addressing budget adjustments, community funding, and ongoing city projects. Marie Fitzpatrick emerged as a standout presenter, sharing details about two significant community events.
She highlighted the 85th reunion of Green Pastures, a historic park originally created by the Civilian Conservation Corps for African Americans during segregation. The celebration, scheduled for June 15, will feature local artist performances, historic tool demonstrations, and community storytelling.
Fitzpatrick also introduced Juneteenth Legacy United, a newly formed nonprofit organization focused on community inclusion and support for vulnerable populations. The group plans to host community events and provide scholarships, with a particular emphasis on supporting elderly and indigent residents.
During his presentation, City Manager Allen Dressler reported substantial progress on multiple municipal projects. Many street improvements have been completed on Craig, Marion, and connecting streets, all accomplished in collaboration with Columbia Gas.
The city’s public works department is actively renovating facilities along Maple Avenue, continuing with plans to create a beautiful, cohesive natural urban scene. Recreation infrastructure has received significant continuing attention.
The newly constructed field houses at Casey Field have been completed, with plans to host the Covington Lumberjacks first and upgrade existing facilities beneath the main bleachers.
Dressler then shared that the mini-golf course near the Jackson River Sport Complex is nearing completion, with additional features like benches constructed by local Eagle Scouts.
The council approved several critical resolutions, including budget modifications, cemetery care funding, and allocations for the Children’s Services Act and police department DARE program. These approvals demonstrate the City of Covington’s commitment to maintaining essential services while investing in community development.
A notable highlight was the ongoing collaboration with VTARC (Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation) regarding a potential stem and greenhouse initiative. City Manager Dressler expressed excitement about introducing advanced agricultural technology to local students through the leadership of Virginia Tech, positioning Covington as a potential model for rural technological education.
The meeting also acknowledged upcoming community events, including the Juneteenth Celebration at Jeter Watson Park, emphasizing the importance of community fellowship and historical remembrance.
Appointments to the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library Board were confirmed, with Linda Thompson and Nova Wright receiving council approval.
The council concluded the public session by moving into a closed executive session to discuss potential real property acquisitions, maintaining transparency while protecting municipal negotiation strategies.
Throughout the meeting, city leadership repeatedly emphasized community involvement, local contractor participation, and strategic investment in the city’s infrastructure. The Covington City Council meeting reflected a forward-looking approach, balancing historical preservation, community support, and technological innovation.
With multiple projects in various stages of completion and new initiatives on the horizon, the city appears poised for continued growth and development. The next city council meeting is scheduled for July 1 and will be a work session, with community members encouraged to attend and participate in the local government proceedings.
